Hundrends attend memorial service for famed local chef Sergio Abramof

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Oh - It was a crowded room as hundreds came to remember famed local chef Sergio Abramof who died suddenly on August 24.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office said the cause of his death is still under review. Abramof was the owner of two Cleveland area restaurants, Sergio's in University Circle and Sergio's Sarava in Shaker Square.

The memorial service was held Monday morning at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz on South Taylor road in Cleveland Heights.

"He was the sweetest man and he always had that smile on his face," said Terry Tarantino, a restaurant owner and friend. "A man like him will always be missed," he continued.

As people arrived in the parking lot, they delivered a sea of heartfelt thoughts as they made their way into the service. "He was warm and engaging," said Ed Pavisich. "His wife and his son are just like him and I think we are all going to have a hole in our hearts now that he is gone."

Kelly Davis plays in a band that frequently played for Abramof in his restaurant.

"Sergio was on the the greatest restaurant owners I have ever known," Davis said. "I can't get my head around this. It was all of the sudden. And he died on his birthday," he continued. "One of the best chefs, one of the best men that I think I ever met," said Pavisich.

Abramof leaves behind his wife Susan and son Julian.